Drawing roll



Nov. 14, 1950 F. H. STEARNS DRAWING ROLL Filed Aug. 3, 1948 l/VVE/YTOR Frank H. sie arns Patented Nov. 14, 1950 UNITED STATES FATE-NT OFFICE DRAWING ROLL Frank'H. Stearns, Meriden, N. H., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to B. B. Sales Company,

Lebanon, N. H., a partnership Application August 3, 1948,.'SerialNo. 42,160

8 Claims.

1 The present invention relates to drawingrolls of the type employed in textile machinery, and more particularly to the so-called bottom roll type which cooperates with a top roll in stretching and reducing thesize of yarn threads which are passed between such rolls.

As is well known to those'skilled in the art, one form of bottom roll is applied to a portion of a drawframe, which provides a series of pairs ofcooperating top rolls, between which top and bottom rolls lengths offibrous material, in the form of threads or slivers, are adapted to be drawn.

These lower or bottom rolls usually are 'provid-ed" with fluted or" corrugated cylindrical surfaces, while the upper or top rolls are provided with cylindrical surfaces covered with a nonmetallic material with reduced end portions therebetween. The top rolls are normally ar-- ranged in pairs and may be maintained in position to engage the lower rolls by means of cap bars which receive the opposite end portions of each pair of top rolls. The intermediate neck portion of the top roll has a saddle member applied on the top surface of the neck for the purpose of properly loading the'top 'roll. The flutedportions of thebottom roll are'also arranged in pairs so as to be positioned directly beneath the corresponding portions of the top rolls. The bottom rolls arerotatably mounted within'thedrawframe, and the fibrous slivers are delivered tothe 'oppositelydisposedtop and-"bottom rol-ls so as to- 'bedrawn therebetween, due to thefact that the bottom'roll is positively driven.

Bottom rolls of the above noted type have usually been formed with plain "bearing surfaces forfiournaling'ther'oll within the drawframe. It'has' been found that such plain bearing surfaces are relatively short-lived, thus requiring frequentbottom roll replacements. In the past, various lubricating expedients have been employedto reduced the friction and heat set up-at these bearingareas, with a view toward lessening the bearing wear. However, su'ch'lubrieating :expedients have not been successful, for the reason that any'exces's lubricant delivered to the bearing area will tend'to' work out to the fluted 'sections of the roll, thus ultimately'coating the "fibrous material: as the same-is drawn between the topand bottom rolls. Furthermore,

the presence of 'such free lubricant upon the rolls willenhance the tendency of the rolls' to collect variousf foreign substances thereon, such as fiy, with a result that the friction willbe increased I 2 and the 'e'fiiciency of the roll correspondingly decreased.

At various-timesin the-"past, many attempts have also been made to construct bottom rolls with "various types ,of *antifriction devices, 'for the .purpose of reducing the friction set up between .the rolls and their supporting frames. Howeverythese 'antifriction devices soon become clogged with fly and other 'foreign substances, so that the bearings used proved to, be of no appreciable advantage.

It is, therefore, the primary .object of the present invention to provide a'bottom roll construction in which the. above .noted. shortcomings are. eliminated.

A further objectof the present invention is to provide .a-drawing roll device with a novel antifriction bearing structure which is so sealed that foreign substances vvcannot gain entrance therein.

A further object of :this invention'is to provide a bottom rollconstructiomwith a coupling means for-accurately securing pairs of roll members to getherand, at the. same time providingzan anti- :friction bearing, means for supporting the .roll within as-drawframe.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a bottom roll coupling unit with. a novel antifricti'on hearing which may be readily lubricated,-butwhich, at the sameltime, is provided with means for preventing the escape ofvsuch lubricant.

A still further objectsof this invention is 'to provide a bottom roll with: an anti'friction: bearing which is so designedthatthe outside-bearing diameter may be'maintained at a minimum value, while, at the same time, permittingflthe arbor diameter of the bottom roll tobe of a maximum value, to the end that the strength and ruggedness of'the arborin torsion is comparable to that of'bottom rolls of the type utilizing plain bearings.

-Wi th the above and other objectslin view, as will hereinafter appear, the invention comprises the-devices, combinations and arrangementsof parts hereinafter set forth-and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the-invention from which the several -features of the "invention and the advantages attained thereby will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal sectionalview cf a bottom roll structure in which the present inventionis incorporated, thesection being along 3 the line of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 2 represents a vertical sectional View taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig, 3 represents an end view of a hollow cylinder which is adapted to be fractured longitudinally of itself, thereby to form two semicylindrical outer race elements which are used in conjunction with the present invention.

Fig. 4 represents a side view of one of the semicylindrical bearing races employed in the present invention.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the present invention comprises a steel arbor structure I!) having intermediate its end portions a hardened trough-shaped neck I about which a split ball-bearing structure is adapted to be provided. More specifically, this ball-bearing unit comprises a series of spherical balls I2, |2 which encircle the groove II in a ball-to-ball contacting relation. In order to confine these balls about the neck I I in this relation, there are provided a pair of hardened complementary race elements I3 and I4. These races are identical in structure, and each is provided with one-half of an inner circumferential groove I which is particularly adapted for receiving the balls I2, I2. As may be best seen in Fig. 2, the semicylindrical race elements I3 and I4 are adapted to be assembled together in a manner such that they form a substantially hollow cylindrical bearingconfining outer race ring which cooperates with the inner neck or race II in maintaining the bearing balls I2, I2 in their proper positions.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it is to be understood that the race elements I3 and I4 are initially made as a single hollow cylindrical structure which is generally designated by the numeral I6. A second step in the forming of this composite outer bearing-retaining race is to form the groove |5 within the inner Wall portion of the cylinder I6. Upon the completion of this groove I5, the cylinder I6 is then fractured lengthwise of itself along a line I1, thus forming the two semicylindrical race elements l3 and I4. Fig. 4 represents a side view of the race element l3 which is, of course, identical with the element I4.

After the race elements I 3 and I4 are assembled about the bearing balls l2, |2 in a manner as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, a cylindrical sleeve i8 is fitted snugly over the peripheries of the race elements, thereby completing the ball-bearing unit, Such a structure will permit the outside diameter of the bearing unit to be maintained at a minimum value while at the same time permitting the bearing portion of the arbor to be constructed with a relatively large diameter to the end that the arbor will possess great strength.

Still referring to Fig. 1, it is to be particularly noted that the arbor I0 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced annular grooves 2|, 2| which are disposed adjacent the neck portion II for the purpose of receiving therein inwardly extending flange portions 22, 22 of the outer race elements [3 and I4. This particular construction is designed to prevent the egress of lubricant from the ball-bearing area and also to prevent any foreign matter from entering this area. However, sufficient clearance is provided between the inner peripheral portions of the flanges 22, 22 and the circumferential grooves 2|, 2| ,in order to prevent excessive engagement between these elements. It is to be particularly understood that these flanges 22, 22 also function to stiffen their respective raceway elements which are constructed with relatively thin Wall portions, so as to maintain the outer diameter of the bearing unit at a minimum figure.

At either side of the neck portion of the arbor Ill, there is provided an annular flange 23 having an outer diameter which is greater than the internal diameter of the bearin race flanges 22, 22. Adjacent each of the flanges 23, 23 there is provided a cylindrical bearing surface 24, the diameter of which is accurately maintained at a predetermined figure. Extending from each of these bearing surfaces 24, 24 is a threaded end portion which is designated b the numeral 25.

As may be particularly noted in Fig. l, the above described arbor element I0 functions as a coupling member for a pair of bottom roll elements which are generally designated b the numerals 26, 26. These roll elements may be of conventional fluted design, and each is provided at its one end portion with a bore 21, the diameter of which is maintained concentric with the roll axis. Inwardly of the bore 21, each roll element is provided with an internal threaded section 28. Thus, the present arbor or coupling member is adapted to have its opposite end portions received within the roll openings so as to connect the two bottom roll sections 25, 26 together. More specifl cally, each threaded end portion 25 of the arbor is adapted to be received within a respective one of the threaded bores 28, while each of the hearing surfaces 24, 24 is adapted to be snugly received within a respective one of the roll bores 21. Since each of the bores 21, 21 is maintained at an accurate predetermined figure, the coupling memher, when applied to the rolls, will maintain the rolls in a proper concentric axial'relationship.

In order that the present type of coupling member may be used for securing a series of roll sections together, the distance between the outer faces 29, 29 of the flanges 23, 23 and the distance between the opposite end portions of any one roll section are maintained accurately at predetermined values. Thus, whenever such a coupling member is used for connecting a pair of roll elements together, the distance between the end faces 33, 30 of the roll elements 26 will be held at a predetermined value.

Still referring to Fig. 1, it is to be noted that each of the roll elements 26, 25 is provided adjacent its end portion with a circumferential groove 3|. Also, it is to be noted that each of the opposite end portions of the sleeve I8 has its free end overhanging the center portion ofa respective one of the grooves 3|, 3|, therebyto form a roof structure over a portion of each groove. Experience has shown that such an overhanging roof structure will prevent foreign matter, in the form of fly, from Working its way between the slight clearance aiforded between the inner circumferential wall of the sleeve and the outer circumferential wall portion 32 of the roll element. Instead, the fly Will fall within the grooves 3|, 3| and thereafter be thrown from the periphery of the rolls. I

It is'to be noted that the present bearing structure forms a pair of substantially annular shaped chambers between each of the roll faces3ll and its associated outer race bearing flange 22. .In this connection, it is to be understood that in the event that some fly material does work itsway past each ofthe grooves 3|, -3| and beneath the-end portions of the sleeve lfl, itwill be deposited within these annular chambers.. It is withinthe contemplation of thepresent inyentionthatthis bfiisoido i tram; d b'ftbihi at ipf th arb wa d 29 e li r ed a 'thu' anjannular ring of fly. 'The'fiy, bythus ng in such a ring, will not tend to work ay into [the grooves 21, Z'l and in fact, this 1 y ing will function as a secondary seal to prevent any excess lubricant which 'may work its way'around the grooves 2|, 2i from passing outwardly from between the face portions of the rolls and the surrounding sleeve member H3. 2 V In order to lubricate the present bearing structure after it hasbeen once assembled, there is provided a radially disposed lubricant conduit l9 which is? formed directly through the sleeve l8 "and one of the race'elements I3 so as to communicate directly with the bearing area. A G shaped wire'20 is adapted to 'encirclethe sleeve Ifi' and the bent limb 33 of this wire will enter the 'conduit [9 so as to close the same. Clearly, this wire may be readily removed for the purpose or" permitting lubricant to be supplied to the bear- "ing' area'through the conduit l9. Furthermore, the limb 3 3of the wire 30 would prevent the sleeve l8 from shifting longitudinally of the race ring "should the sleeve become loose on the race ring. From the above, it will be understood that the present fractured or sectional race assembly permite the incorporation in a given bearing space, of the maximum number of rolling elements as jnojcage elements are necessary for spacing the rolling elements apart. Thus, a most efiicient "and 'longdasting bearin unit is produced. In this latter connection, it should also be appreciated that the elimination of the usual spacing cage permits the ball-receiving grooves, both in I F I bearing unit will, when applied to a pair of drawingroll cylinders, make for a most eflicient drawing roll structure which will require a minimum of attention when employed on a drawframe. Also, it will be clearly understood that since the bearing structure of the present drawing roll is entirely sealed, it will run free from fly and other foreign matter at all times.

I claim:

1. In a textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, and a coupling member in the form of an arbor having longitudinally spaced end portions each of which is adapted to be seated snugly within a respective one of said roll openings; the improvement which consists in the provision of bearing means for rotatably supporting said roll, said bearing means comprising a unitary cylindrical sleeve surrounding an intermediate portion of said arbor between said end portions with the opposite end portions thereof extending over the end portions of the roll sections so as to seal off the bearing area, and rotatable bearing elements disposed between said arbor and said sleeve.

2. In a textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, and a coupling member in the form of an arbor having longitudinally spaced end portions each of which is adapted to be seated snugly within a element's disposedftogetherso fas to iorm outer race ringsurrounding an intermediate portion of said arbor between said end portions, rotatable bearing elements" disposed betweens'aid arbor and said outer race ring, "and'a cylindrical s eeve surrounding said race ring with the e sasite end portions thereof extending in cooperatinglrelation with the end portions of the rollsections so as to seal'oif the bearing area.

In a textile'drawingroll'having' roll sections with a-xial "openings atthe opposite ends thereof, and a coupling member in the for s: an arbor having v longitudinally spaced end portions each oflwhich is adapted to be seated snuglywithin-a respective one of said roll openings; 'theimp rove ment which consists in the provision of bearing means for rotatably supporting said 'roll said bearing means comprising a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to forman outer race ring surrounding an intermediate portion of said arbor betweensaid end portions, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at'each of the op'positeend portions of said outer race ring and extending into an annular groove formed about said arbor,'rotatable bearing element's disposed between said arbor and said outer race ring, and a'cylindrical sleevesurrounding said ra'ce ring for maintaining the latter in itsproper position about said arbor.

A. Atextile drawing'roll,comprising, rol1"secftions with axial o'pening's'at the oppositeends thereof, *an annular circumferential groc'ive formed about each roll section adjacent its open end portion, a coupling jnember'm the form of an arbor having longitudinally spaced end portions each of which is adapted'to be seated snugly within a respective one of said roll openings, a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to form an outer race ring surrounding an intermediate portion of said arbor between said end portions, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at each of the opposite end portions of said outer race ring and extending' i'nto an annular groove formed about said 'arbor,"rotatable bearing elements disposed between said arbor and said outer race ring, and a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said race ring with the opposite end portions thereof extending over the end portions of the roll sections so as to overlie said circumferential grooves thereby to seal oif the bearing area.

5. In a textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, and a coupling member in the form of an arbor having a center neck portion, an annular flange at each end of said neck portion, and a cylindrical portion at the outer side of each flange and having a diameter substantially less than that of its associated flange, each of said cylindrical portions being adapted to be snugly received within a respective one of said roll openings so that its associated annular flange engages the end portion of one of said roll sections; the improvement which consists in the provision of bearing means for rotatably supporting said roll, said bearing means comprising a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to form an outer race ring surrounding said arbor neck portion, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at each of the opposite end portions of said outer race ring so as to be disposed adjacent the inner face of a respective one of said arbor flanges thereby toseal'off the bearing area, rotatable bearing elements disposedbetween said arbor neck portion and said outer race ring, and a'cylindrical sleeve surrounding said race ring for maintaining the latter in its proper position about said arbor.

' 6. A textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, a coupling member in the form of an arbor having a center groove, an annular flange at each side of said groove, a cylindrical portion at the outer side of each flange and having a diameter substantially less than that of its associated flange, each of said cylindrical portions being adapted to be snugly received within a respective one of said roll openings so that its associated annular flangeengages the end portion of one of said roll sections, a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to form an outer race ring surrounding said arbor groove, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at each of the opposite end, portions of said outer race ring so as to be disposed adjacent the inner face of a respective one of said arbor flanges thereby to seal off the bearing area, rotatable bearing means disposed within said groove and between said arbor and said race ring, and a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said race ring for maintaining the latter in its proper position about said arbor.

7. A textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, an annular circumferential groove formed about each roll section adjacent its open end portion, a coupling member in the form of an arbor having a center groove, an annular flange at each side of said groove, a cylindrical portion at the outer side of each flange and having a diameter substantially less than that of its associated flange, each of said cylindrical portions being adapted to be snugly received within a respective one of said roll openings so that its associated annular flange engages the end portion of one of said roll sections, a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to form an outer race ring surrounding said arbor groove, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at each of the opposite end portions of said outer race ring so asto be disposed adjacent the inner face of a respective one of said arbor flanges, rotatable bearing balls disposed in ball-to-ball contact within said groove and between said arbor and said race ring, and a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said race ring with the opposite end portions thereof extending over the end portions of the roll sections so as to overlie said roll grooves thereby to seal off the bearing area.

8. In a textile drawing roll having roll sections with axial openings at the opposite ends thereof, and a coupling member in the form of an arbor having longitudinally spaced cylindrical portions each of which is adapted to be seated snugly within a respective one of said roll openings; the improvement which consists in the provision of bearing means for rotatably supporting said roll,

said, bearing means comprising a pair of semicircular elements disposed together so as to form an outer race ring surrounding an intermediate portion of said arbor between said cylindrical portions, an inwardly extending annular flange formed at each of the opposite end portions of said outer race ring and extending, into an annular groove formed about'said arbor, rotatable bearing elements disposed between said arbor and said outer race ring, a cylindrical sleeve surrounding said race ring for maintaining the latter in its proper position about said arbor, a lubricating conduit formed radially through said race ring and said sleeve, and means removably disposed within said conduit for preventing the egress of lubricant from the bearing area.

' FRANK H. STEARNS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 639,211 Campbell Dec. 19, 1899 949,504 Sexton Feb. 15, 1910 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 75,916 Sweden Nov. 22, 1932 505,335 Great Britain May 9, 1939 

